Both have been accused of "conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds," as well as theft of theft of those funds. In addition, Thornton faces seven counts of bank fraud.

Court records say Thornton, executive director/chairman of the HCDRA, was in charge of residential repair following Hurricane Rita in 2005. He also owned County Seat Lumber Company in Kountze. Jones owned Dependable Maintenance and Construction, a residential building company.

Indictments unsealed today allege that Thornton contacted Jones to handle post-Rita renovations for HCDRA. Materials for the renovations done by Dependable Maintenance and Construction were purchased through County Seat.

Records also allege that Jones and Thornton obtained payment for house work that was not complete, and also submitted fraudulent invoices to obtain payment from HCDRA.

In addition, Thornton is accused of creating a "fictitious vendor file" for HCDRA that allowed him to pay his wife's credit card bills.